AD 2020-16-11 Prompted By Reports Of In-Flight Engine Failures Due To Fractured Cross-Flow Cylinder Assemblies

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc. model GTSIO-520-C, GTSIO-520-D, GTSIO-520-H, GTSIO-520-K, GTSIO-520-L, GTSIO-520-M, GTSIO-520-N, IO-550-G, IO-550-N, IO-550-P, IO-550-R, IOF-550-N, IOF-550-P, IOF-550-R, TSIO-520-BE, TSIO-550-A, TSIO-550-B, TSIO-550-C, TSIO-550-E, TSIO-550-G, TSIO-550-K, TSIO-550-N, TSIOF-550-D, TSIOF-550-J, TSIOF-550-K, and TSIOF-550-P reciprocating aviation gasoline (AvGas) engines with a certain cross-flow cylinder assembly installed.

This AD was prompted by reports of in-flight engine failures due to fractured cross-flow cylinder assemblies. This AD requires visual inspection and, depending on the results of the inspection, modification or replacement of the cross-flow cylinder assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective September 21, 2020.

Supplementary Information: The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc. model GTSIO-520-C, GTSIO-520-D, GTSIO-520-H, GTSIO-520-K, GTSIO-520-L, GTSIO-520-M, GTSIO-520-N, IO-550-G, IO-550-N, IO-550-P, IO-550-R, IOF-550-N, IOF-550-P, IOF-550-R, TSIO-520-BE, TSIO-550-A, TSIO-550-B, TSIO-550-C, TSIO-550-E, TSIO-550-G, TSIO-550-K, TSIO-550-N, TSIOF-550-D, TSIOF-550-J, TSIOF-550-K, and TSIOF-550-P reciprocating AvGas engines with a certain cross-flow cylinder assembly installed. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 17, 2020 (85 FR 21336). The NPRM was prompted by reports of in-flight engine failures due to fractured cross-flow cylinder assemblies. The NPRM proposed to require visual inspection of the cross-flow cylinder assembly and, depending on the results of the inspection, modification or replacement of the cross-flow cylinder assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

FMI: www.regulations.gov